About the Program

What to Expect

As a participant in the JumpStart program, you can expect:

  • To work in teams to create and deliver an in-person presentation regarding college student wellness
  • Academic success and financial wellness workshops
  • Time management and study skills workshops
  • Life skills resources for pre-health students at UCR
  • Guidance and tips for success as a pre-health student at UCR from current undergraduate students, medical students, and UCRSOM faculty and staff
  • Health-focused activities with UCR School of Medicine students, staff, faculty and physicians

Eligibility

The JumpStart program is open to incoming first-year UC Riverside students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a strong interest in a medical or health sciences career and who are dedicated to becoming health professionals in medically underserved communities.

To be eligible to apply for the JumpStart program, applicants must be:

  • Spring 2025 high school graduates who will attend UCR for undergraduate studies.
  • Interested in becoming a primary care physician with a strong desire to serve in the local community. 

Priority consideration is given to first-generation college students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and graduates of Inland Southern California high schools.

Requirements

Students who apply for the JumpStart program must agree to adhere to the following requirements:

  • Students must comply with all program rules and university policies.
  • The student must be an incoming first-year student at UCR who graduated from high school the previous spring.
  • Students must have reliable transportation to the UCR campus each day of the program.
  • Students must attend all workshops, events, and activities for the entire duration of the 5-day program. Students will dedicate 40 hours towards participation in the program.